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Council Decision 2010/279/CFSP of 18 May 2010 on the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN)

Council Decision 2010/279/CFSP of 18 May 2010 on the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union and, in particular, Article 28 and Article 43(2) thereof,

Whereas:

  1. On 30 May 2007 the Council adopted Joint Action 2007/369/CFSP(1) establishing the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN). That Joint Action expires on 30 May 2010.

  2. On 8 March 2010, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) recommended to extend EUPOL AFGHANISTAN for three years.

  3. The command and control structure of EUPOL AFGHANISTAN should be without prejudice to the contractual responsibilities of the Head of Mission towards the European Commission for implementing the budget.

  4. The watch-keeping capability should be activated for EUPOL AFGHANISTAN.

  5. EUPOL AFGHANISTAN will be conducted in the context of a situation which may deteriorate and could harm the objectives of the common foreign and security policy as set out in Article 21 of the Treaty,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1 Mission

1.

The European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (‘EUPOL AFGHANISTAN’ or the ‘Mission’), established by Joint Action 2007/369/CFSP, shall be extended as from 31 May 2010 until 31 May 2013.

2.

EUPOL AFGHANISTAN shall operate in accordance with the objectives set out in Article 2 and carry out the tasks as set out in Article 3.

Article 2 Objectives

EUPOL AFGHANISTAN shall significantly contribute to the establishment under Afghan ownership of sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements, which will ensure appropriate interaction with the wider criminal justice system, in keeping with the policy advice and institution-building work of the Union, Member States and other international actors. Furthermore, the Mission will support the reform process towards a trusted and efficient police service, which works in accordance with international standards, within the framework of the rule of law and respect for human rights.

Article 3 Tasks

1.

In order to fulfil the objectives set out in Article 2, EUPOL AFGHANISTAN shall:

  1. assist the Government of Afghanistan in coherently implementing its strategy towards sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements, especially with regard to the Afghan Uniform (Civilian) Police and the Afghan Anti-Crime Police, as stipulated in the National Police Strategy;

  2. improve cohesion and coordination among international actors;

  3. work on strategy development, while placing an emphasis on work towards a joint overall strategy of the international community in police reform and enhance cooperation with key partners in police reform and training, including with NATO-led mission ISAF and the NATO Training Mission and other contributors;

  4. support linkages between the police and the wider rule of law.

    These tasks will be further developed in the Operational Plan (OPLAN). The Mission shall carry out its tasks through, amongst other means, monitoring, mentoring, advising and training.

2.

EUPOL AFGHANISTAN shall be a non-executive Mission.

3.

EUPOL AFGHANISTAN shall have a Project Cell for identifying and implementing projects. EUPOL AFGHANISTAN shall, as appropriate, coordinate, facilitate and provide advice on projects implemented by Member States and third States under their responsibility, in areas related to the Mission and in support of its objectives.

Article 4 Structure of the Mission

1.

The Mission will have its Headquarters (HQ) in Kabul. The Mission shall comprise:

  1. the Head of Mission and his office including a Senior Mission Security Officer;

  2. a Police component;

  3. a Rule of Law component;

  4. training capacity;

  5. Mission Support;

  6. field offices outside Kabul;

  7. a support element in Brussels.

2.

Mission staff shall be deployed at the central, regional and provincial levels and may work, as necessary, with the district level for the implementation of the mandate in light of the security assessment and when enabling factors, such as appropriate logistical and security support, are in place. Technical arrangements will be sought with ISAF and Regional Command/Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Lead Nations for information exchange, medical, security and logistical support including accommodation by Regional Commands and PRTs.

3.

In addition, a number of Mission staff shall be deployed to improve strategic coordination in police reform in Afghanistan, as appropriate, and in particular with the International Police Coordination Board (IPCB) Secretariat in Kabul. The IPCB Secretariat shall be located, as appropriate, at the EUPOL AFGHANISTAN HQ.

Article 5 Civilian Operation Commander

Article 6 Head of Mission

Article 7 Staff

Article 8 Status of EUPOL AFGHANISTAN staff

Article 9 Chain of Command

Article 10 Political control and strategic direction

Article 11 Security

Article 12 Participation of third States

Article 13 Financial arrangements

Article 14 Release of classified information

Article 15 Watch-Keeping

Article 16 Review

Article 17 Entry into force and duration